Bourke on the Darling River
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When I travel, I seek out accommodation that is a little out of the ordinary! I have stayed in some strange and quirky places and love buildings with historical significance.
One such place that I have stayed on two occasions is the
Riverside Motel at Bourke. I learned before my first visit, that it was on the banks of the Darling River, and is of historical significance.
The area on the Darling River was first explored by Charles Sturt in 1828, but it wasn't until 1835, when Sir Thomas Mitchell arrived that settlement began on the river. It was in 1869 that the area was surveyed to create a town.
Subsequently, Bourke would become a coach terminus for the famous
Cobb & Co coaches, which was based in Bathhurst, paddleboats plied the Darling River and a large Afghan community worked with camels for transport in the area.
In 1875 the Telegraph Hotel was built – and now forms part of the Heritage area of the Riverside Motel which contains four Heritage suites, named after regular visitors to Bourke over the years;
Nancy Bird Walton ,
John Horbury Hunt ,
Dr Fred Hollows as well as the Old Billiard Room.
For a peek into the rooms look
here .
The Bourke Riverside Motel is on Mitchell St, on the banks of the Darling River, handy to the old wharf with a café and homewares shop, near the Port of Bourke Hotel, and the Diggers on the Darling RSL Club, and easy walking distance from most of the shops in Bourke. Getting a meal is only a short walk away.
On the other side of Mitchell St is the "Priest's House" which was originally part of the old convent, and now houses 8 unique and modern rooms from budget to executive suites, all part of the Motel.
It is a short drive to the
Bourke Information Centre and the Back of Bourke Exhibition Centre where you will find information on the many other things to see and do in the region.
Bourke is a very interesting place - and the historic motel is worth a visit. I will be back.
#travel
#hotels
#history
#escape_the_city
#antiques
#accommodation
%wnbrisbane
154724 - 2023-06-14 09:48:05